William Shakespeare(23d of April 1564 – 23d of April 1616)

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have

greatness thrust upon them”

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-AvonShakespeare’s

birthplace – Henley Street

Stratford is one of the oldest market towns. It stands on the river AvonWarwick Castle

and the river Avon

The Birthplace of William Shakespear

Shakespeare’s coat of armsand motto

Shakespeare directions in Stratford

Stratford has still preserved its own character and atmosphere.

The houses are very old and some of them date back to Shakespeare’s time

John Shakespeare, William's father, was a successful Stratford businessman, in the glove-making and wool-dealing trades. He had settled in Stratford by 1552 and later bought property in the town.

John Shakespeare married Mary Arden, the daughter of Robert Arden. John and Mary set up home in Henley Street, Stratford, in the house now known as Shakespeare’s Birthplace . John and Mary lost two children before William was born. They had five more children, another of whom died young.

In 1582 Shakespeare married Anna Hathaway. This is Anna’s cottage

William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway had three children

Their first daughter, Susanna was born on 26 May 1583.

Two years later twins followed Hamnet and Judith, baptized on 2 February 1585.

William’s only son Hamnet died aged only 11.

1585. Shakespeare moved to London.He began to work at “Globe” theatre

“Globe” theatre

Elizabeth I

1593 -1600: comedies

“Love’s labour’s lost”

1594. “Romeo and Juliet”

“Romeo and Juliet”

“King Lear”

“Othello”

“Macbeth”

“The Merchant of Venice”

“Hamlet”

“Julius Caesar”

Shakespeare’s wrote:154 sonnets;37 plays (tragedies

and comedies);2 poems

1610-1612. Back to StratfordShakespeare

bought a new house –

“Nash’s House”

1616 – Shakespeare died

Holy Trinity Church: he was baptized and buried here

Holy Trinity Church

Shakespeare’s memorial

Monuments

Characters from plays around Shakespeare’s statue

Shakespeare’s monuments

1. Central Park,

New York

2. Leicester Square, London

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon is a

living memorial to the poet’s work

William Shakespeare – a great English poet and writer